Hypersalivation Treatment Options
Overview
Hypersalivation treatment at Spokane CyberKnife
What is Hypersalivation?
Hypersalivation, also known as sialorrhea or ptyalism, occurs when excessive saliva builds up in the mouth, sometimes leading to drooling. It is not a disease itself but rather a symptom of an underlying condition—most commonly Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).
Causes and Symptoms
Patients with sialorrhea often struggle with swallowing, leading to saliva pooling in the mouth rather than being swallowed normally. This results in:
- Drooling
- Choking episodes
- Speech difficulties
Contrary to what many patients believe, hypersalivation is not due to excess saliva production but rather a weakened throat function affecting regular swallowing.
Treatment Options
The best treatment depends on the underlying cause, but several options exist for managing symptoms:
- Anticholinergic Medication: Blocks nerve signals to salivary glands, reducing saliva production. Side effects may include dry mouth, constipation, difficulty urinating, blurred vision, hyperactivity, and irritability.
- Botulinum Injections: Temporarily paralyzes nerves in the major salivary glands, preventing saliva production. Repeat injections are required every few months.
- Surgery (for severe cases): Involves relocating or removing salivary glands to limit excessive saliva.
- Radiation Therapy: A non-surgical approach for patients who do not respond to other treatments.
Why Radiation Therapy?
For patients who fail medical and surgical therapy, external beam radiation therapy can be an effective option. The treatment targets the salivary glands, reducing their function and minimizing excessive saliva production. Many ALS patients with sialorrhea respond positively to therapeutic salivary gland irradiation, and improvements can last for several months.
